The Dutch government has sharply condemned the Taliban's violent crackdown on a women's rights protest in Afghanistan, accusing the regime of violating fundamental human rights. Yet at the same time, The Hague is supporting European efforts to maintain technical contacts with the Taliban on sensitive issues,
The United States views the Netherlands as its most important partner in Europe. Yet behind the warm words of US Ambassador in The Netherlands, Joe Popolo, lies a tougher message: Washington expects continued Dutch alignment on trade, technology and security, and is prepared to push back when Dutch policy moves
The Dutch government has publicly thrown its weight behind Klaas Knot as a potential successor to Christine Lagarde at the helm of the European Central Bank (ECB), a move that places the former Dutch central banker firmly in the race for one of Europe's most influential economic jobs.
The Dutch government’s most senior civil servant at the Ministry of Defence is facing political questions over an side role that has suddenly become part of the Netherlands’ increasingly polarised debate over Israel and Gaza. Right-wing opposition MPs are demanding answers about whether Maarten Schurink, the secretary-general
The Netherlands is taking another step towards a possible international mission in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints. A small multinational headquarters team is set to board the Dutch frigate HNLMS De Ruyter in the Gulf region, following a request from
Can Russian aluminium still find its way onto the European market despite existing import bans? More than four years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and after twenty EU sanctions packages, loopholes appear to remain. According to signals from the Dutch aluminium industry, Russian aluminium may still
More than 70,000 migrants reached the Spanish exclave of Ceuta within days, exposing fresh tensions between European capitals and triggering emergency talks among EU migration ministers. While Tuesday's meeting was meant to demonstrate European unity after days of public accusations, several key questions remain unanswered. What triggered
As the Dutch government increased pressure on Israeli settlements, Geert Wilders was shaking hands with senior Israeli leaders and touring the West Bank. The visit highlighted his enduring ties to Israel at a moment of growing diplomatic tension between The Hague and Jerusalem. Read on for the full story and
The immediate crisis in Ceuta may be fading, but the political aftershocks are only beginning. As EU migration ministers gather for an digital meeting on Tuesday, the Dutch government is demanding answers about how tens of thousands of migrants managed to breach one of Europe's external borders in
How worried is the Dutch government about alleged Hamas-linked influence in demonstrations? Why is The Hague now describing those signals as “very concerning”? Newly released parliamentary documents provide a clearer picture of how the government is responding as intelligence services report increasing insight into Hamas-linked activity in the
Every Saturday and Sunday this summer, The Hague Insider publishes a special Summer Briefing, taking a deep dive into the politicians, companies and policy issues shaping The Hague, Brussels and beyond. Today: the Dutch position in the battle over the EU's next long-term budget — a fight that
A sudden migrant surge at Spain's southern frontier has triggered an coordinated response from the EU capitals. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and 21 fellow European leaders are now demanding an emergency meeting of EU interior ministers, warning that the events in Ceuta could undermine confidence in the
Summer Briefings
Every Saturday and Sunday this summer, The Hague Insider publishes a special Summer Briefing, taking a deep dive into the politicians, companies and policy issues shaping The Hague, Brussels and beyond. Today: Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen. From Israel and Iran to NATO, Europe, Syria and the future of the
Europe & EU
As tens of thousands of migrants cross from Morocco into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, alarm is spreading across European capitals. In The Hague, ministers are scrambling to respond to a crisis unfolding hundreds of kilometres away but with potentially significant consequences for Dutch politics, migration policy and the future
Middle East
Attacks on ambulances and medical personnel in Lebanon are “deeply concerning” and, in certain circumstances, could amount to war crimes, according to Dutch Foreign Minister Berendsen. The comments came in response to parliamentary questions from D66 MPs Hanneke van der Werf and Mpanzu Bamenga. But what exactly is the Dutch
China
A new Chinese law that entered into force on 1 July is triggering growing concern in The Hague. Dutch Foreign Minister Berendsen does not rule out the possibility that statements made by Dutch citizens outside China could, under certain circumstances, lead to legal prosecution by Chinese authorities. What does this
Africa
From discreet support for Russian journalists to multi‑million euro investments in Gaza, Congo and China, a new Foreign Ministry report offers a rare, detailed look at how the Netherlands is putting its human rights policy into practice. But behind the long list of projects lies a stark reality: shrinking
Middle East
Will Rotterdam's annual Holocaust commemoration become a moment of remembrance — or another flashpoint in the city's increasingly polarized debate over Israel and Gaza? After days of speculation and political pressure, Mayor Carola Schouten has confirmed that she will attend and speak at Thursday's Holocaust
Dutch politics
The Netherlands is quietly laying the groundwork for a diplomatic return to Syria. After years without an embassy in Damascus, the Dutch government is taking another step towards restoring its presence on the ground — and exploring what could come next. Which options are now on the table, how far is
NATO & Defense
Reports that Washington is exploring the expansion of U.S. nuclear weapon deployments across more NATO countries have sparked political concern — but the Dutch government says it has seen no concrete proposal. Behind the carefully worded denials, however, ministers reaffirm a hard reality: nuclear deterrence remains central to Europe’s
Summer Briefings
Every Saturday and Sunday this summer, The Hague Insider publishes a special Summer Briefing, taking a deep dive into the politicians, companies and policy issues shaping The Hague, Brussels and beyond. Today: Dutch policy towards Israel. Once among Israel's closest allies in Europe, the Netherlands is now navigating
Summer Briefings
Every Saturday and Sunday this summer, The Hague Insider publishes a special Summer Briefing, taking a deep dive into the politicians, companies and policy issues shaping The Hague, Brussels and beyond. Today: Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten — the Netherlands' first D66 prime minister, the country's youngest-ever
A historic decision has shaken the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Member states have voted to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan from office over allegations of sexual misconduct, ending the tenure of one of the world's most influential international prosecutors. But what happens next? Khan has already
China
After visits by Food Security Minister Silvio Erkens and Foreign Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, the Dutch government is preparing for more cabinet-level engagement with China. A visit by Prime Minister Rob Jetten could follow as early as this autumn or in spring 2027, according to sources familiar with the